Richard F. Hildreth

Richard F. Hildreth (June 18, 1934 – August 31, 2023)
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Dick was the son of Floyd G. Hildreth and Lucie Schneider Hildreth.They lived in an historic house on the west side. His parents were strong advocates of a good education.
At John Marshall High School (Class of 1952), Dick was a member of the student-led radio program,
played clarinet in the band, and was in the drama group. He loved geography and maps (shared with his
dad). Dick won a scholarship to Cornell University, majoring in electrical engineering. He participated in the 5-year co-op program, which placed students in industry for semesters, alternating with classroom study on campus. He was a member of Delta Chi fraternity and Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society.
At Cornell, Dick met Barbara Parsons in the Spring of 1956; they married on June 8, 1957 in Marcellus, NY. Dick went to work for General Electric in Ithaca, NY. In the early 1960’s, the couple moved into a home built by Barbara’s father, located in nearby Lansing, NY. There they welcomed a son, James, and a daughter, Nancy. In 1964, Dick was transferred to GE Washington, D.C. From there, his career prospered through several major federal government contractors in systems engineering.
The family moved and settled in Vienna, Virginia, in a brand-new subdivision. When the snow didn’t get plowed and the trash not collected, Dick gathered several other residents in his living room and formed the Stonewall Manor Community Association; then served as its President three different times through the years, while mentoring others in their roles of community service.
Dick and Barbara’s family grew as they welcomed a son, Paul, and a daughter, Ginia. Family life
centered around church and school activities. Dick served as deacon and trustee in several local
congregations. He served as Director of an ESL program, and starred in a church little theater group. He was a devoted dad. He made sure his children could ride a bike, whistle, set up a tent, sail boats, drive a car, and use excellent grammar. Dick led the Band Parents and PTA. He attended countless performances (choir, band, drill team), and athletic events. He worked with the principal of George C. Marshall High School to create a letter for academic excellence known as the Academic Letter Program.
Dick’s faith grew stronger in the last 7 years as he experienced Parkinson’s Disease, strengthening the bonds with his four children and four grandchildren (Noah and Luke Hildreth; Abigail and Ronald
Anthony). His family meant everything to him. He was deeply loved.
Burial services will be at Highland Cemetery, Marcellus, NY, on September 12. A Celebration of Life
service will be held on October 3 at 11:00am at McLean Presbyterian Church, 1020 Balls Hill Road,
McLean, VA 22101. In lieu of flowers, a donation in his name can be made to: The Leadership Institute, 1101 N. Highland Street, Arlington, VA 22201. www.leadershipinstitute.org/give